Karachi: The Sindh Health Department has announced an extension of the ongoing HPV vaccination campaign through “catch-up days” after coverage figures revealed that only 59 percent of eligible girls received the vaccine during the initial phase.
According to an official directive from the Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Sindh, all District Health Officers (DHOs) have been instructed to conduct catch-up activities to ensure that more girls are vaccinated. The campaign, originally conducted over 12 days, achieved partial success but fell short of its target, prompting the extension.
As per the EPI Sindh circular, catch-up days will be observed from September 29 to October 1. During this period, vaccination sessions will be held again in schools where coverage remained below 80 percent. The strategy aims to bridge gaps and expand outreach to ensure broader protection against cervical cancer.
Importantly, the catch-up activities will be carried out without any additional budget allocation. Field teams and supervisors have been tasked with mobilizing resources efficiently and conducting vaccination drives in identified low-coverage areas.
To strengthen accountability and coordination, Deputy Commissioners across Sindh have been assigned supervisory responsibilities to monitor the extended campaign. Health officials emphasized that these measures are critical for achieving higher coverage levels and building momentum for future HPV immunization initiatives.
The HPV vaccine, administered primarily to school-aged girls, is recognized globally as a key preventive measure against cervical cancer. Sindh’s effort, though short of its immediate goal, reflects a growing commitment to women’s health and the prevention of one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide.
Health experts stress that achieving higher vaccination coverage in this early stage is essential for long-term protection, as HPV vaccination works best before exposure to the virus. By extending the campaign, Sindh’s health authorities aim not only to reach missed students but also to improve confidence and awareness among parents and communities.
Observers note that this initiative could serve as a model for other provinces, especially given that HPV vaccination is still at an early stage in Pakistan’s national immunization agenda. Ensuring consistency and strong oversight will be key to overcoming hurdles such as vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and logistical constraints in rural and underserved areas.
The extension of the campaign demonstrates that while challenges remain, the provincial government is committed to maximizing coverage and protecting the next generation of women from preventable diseases like cervical cancer.
